Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation

Catalog description

This course is designed to be a detailed investigation into the biology of cetaceans, pinnipeds, and other marine mammals. In this course we will learn about the evolution of marine mammals, general adaptations to a marine existence, morphology, systematics and biogeography, reproduction, diving physiology, communication and echolocation, feeding and migratory behavior, and marine mammal/human interactions. The course will include a survey of major conservation concerns and potential management solutions, as well as a unit on cultural competencies and the historic relationship between humans and marine mammals.